Richard & Laura’s New House Farm Wedding
A sun-filled outdoor ceremony, relaxed photographs overlooking Crummock Water, golden light around the farm and a sax-led procession into one unforgettable evening party.
A proper summer wedding in the Lorton Valley
Richard and Laura’s wedding had everything that makes New House Farm so special: mountain scenery, an outdoor ceremony, space for everyone to relax and a day that flowed naturally from sunshine into a full-on party.
New House Farm is only around four miles from my home in Cockermouth, so I know the venue and the surrounding valleys extremely well. That local knowledge meant we could make the most of the light without ever making the photography take over their day.
Quiet anticipation, two photographers and two sides of the story
I arrived mid-morning to photograph the farm and the valley before joining Laura and her bridesmaids for the preparations. There was a wonderful reveal with her father, followed by another with the bridesmaids, before everyone headed outside.
My second photographer, Mark Battista, was brilliant throughout the day. He covered Richard and the groomsmen while I stayed with Laura, then later photographed the lawn games and guests while I took the couple towards Crummock Water.
Blue skies, warm sunshine and a beautiful entrance
With the ceremony set out on the lawn, Laura walked into a scene that felt unmistakably Lake District: stone barns, green hills and all their favourite people waiting in the sunshine.
Dareneth from Cumberland Registration Services led the ceremony, with Tina completing the legal paperwork. Afterwards, Richard and Laura walked out through a tunnel of confetti while Spencer Sax played — the perfect beginning to a relaxed drinks reception full of laughter, sunglasses and summer colour.
That effortless summer-afternoon feeling
Spencer Sax brought a real sense of occasion without making anything feel formal. Guests spread out across the courtyard and lawns, caught up with friends and settled into the day. We photographed the family groups, then kept the wedding-party pictures loose, quick and full of personality.
The photographs should feel like the people in them — lively, relaxed and never forced.
Wedding portraits above Crummock Water
The journey towards Crummock gave Richard and Laura a quiet pause together and opened up views through the Buttermere Valley that are hard to beat.
We kept it simple: a relaxed walk, a little direction when it helped, and plenty of room for them to be themselves. Back at New House Farm, Mark continued photographing the games and atmosphere, so no part of the celebration was missed.
Warm light and even warmer speeches in the Hayloft
The Hayloft looked fantastic under its strings of lights, with long tables, russet details and flowers echoing the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses. The speeches brought big laughs, a few tears and exactly the sort of expressions I love to photograph.
Later, I took Richard and Laura for a ten-minute wander around the gardens. It gave them a breather from the crowd and gave us a chance to work with the mottled tree shade, the pond and the last of the evening light.
An evening that properly came alive
The first dance began outside, surrounded by friends and family. Halfway through, Spencer Sax joined in and lifted the atmosphere instantly.
He led everyone in procession across to the Hayloft, where Gary Mills was ready behind the decks. The two of them worked brilliantly together: sax in among the guests, music filling the barn and a dance floor that stayed packed. It was full of action, fun and the kind of joyful chaos that makes brilliant photographs.
Richard & Laura’s wedding suppliers
A great wedding is always a team effort. These were some of the people who helped bring the day together.
See my complete New House Farm venue guide
If Richard and Laura’s day has put New House Farm on your shortlist, my full venue page covers the setting, ceremony spaces, photography opportunities and practical planning advice in more detail.
What couples say about their photographs
★★★★★“We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer than Chris. From start to finish, he was calm, professional, and a reassuring presence throughout the day. The photos he captured are absolutely stunning and mean so much to us.”
★★★★★“Chris was absolutely amazing on our wedding day, lovely guy and a real professional at what he does, the photos are out of this world we’re so happy we used Chris for our big day.”
★★★★★“Chris really captured the mood of the day and gave us a great mix of formal photos and candid shots. He put us at ease and let us lead on what we wanted.”
Useful things to know
Can you have an outdoor wedding ceremony at New House Farm?
Yes. Richard and Laura married outside in front of the barn, with the Lorton Valley landscape around them. The venue also has beautiful indoor spaces should the weather change.
Where can couples go for Lake District wedding portraits?
New House Farm has gardens, woodland and ponds on site. With enough time in the schedule, nearby Crummock Water and the Buttermere Valley can add a more expansive Lake District backdrop.
Do we need a second wedding photographer?
Not every wedding needs one, but it can be valuable for a larger celebration or when both partners are getting ready in different places. Mark photographed Richard’s preparations and covered guests at the venue while I was with the couple.
How long do the couple photographs take?
I normally work in short, relaxed pockets rather than disappearing for hours. On this day, the garden walk gave Richard and Laura a ten-minute breather, while the Crummock portraits were planned as a separate short trip.
